ROSEBURG, Ore. – Coastal anglers can learn more about this year’s fall chinook fishery and provide input at two Oregon Department of Fish and Wildlife meetings scheduled later this month in Gold Beach and North Bend.

Meetings are set for April 28 in Gold Beach at the Showcase Building, Curry County Fairgrounds, 29392 Ellensburg, and April 29 in North Bend at the North Bend Public Library’s large conference room, 1800 Sherman Avenue. Both meetings are 7 p.m. – 9 p.m.

Recent declines in Oregon coast fall chinook returns have state and federal fishery managers considering changes in seasons and regulations for ocean, bay and river sport fisheries.

“With the downturn we’ve seen in fall chinook numbers last year and predicted again for this coming season, we’d like to provide angling opportunity on hatchery fish while allowing wild fish to continue upriver to spawn,” said Mike Gray, District Fish Biologist for the Coos-Coquille area.

At the meetings, ODFW staff will present forecasts and regulation change proposals and take public input. The proposals will then be presented to the Oregon Fish and Wildlife Commission at their June 2008 meeting in Salem.

For more information, contact Mike Gray, 541-888-5515.

The mission of the Oregon Department of Fish and Wildlife is to protect and enhance Oregon's fish and wildlife and their habitats for use and enjoyment by present and future generations. The agency consists of the Oregon Fish and Wildlife Commission, a commission-appointed director and a statewide staff of approximately 950 permanent employees. Headquartered in Salem, ODFW has regional offices in Clackamas, Roseburg, Bend, and La Grande with ten district offices located throughout the state. For additional information, please visit www.dfw.state.or.us.

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